Forget Politics – Let’s Lead Like Jesus

As Election Day approaches, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with anxiousness. It seems like every time I check the news or watch debates it’s always about different candidates outing each other and saying /doing whatever it takes to get to the top.

Don’t misunderstand, my husband’s running for office as well, so I get and even appreciate the competitive nature of playing to win. I also realize not every candidate on the ballot is a bully. However, what I do know from my husband’s campaigning experience is that aspiring into any role of leadership truly takes only one thing – the ability to serve.

Have you ever had an ‘a-ha’ moment and realized you’re in the wrong lane in your leadership growth? Perhaps your team doesn’t trust you, you can’t help but use unfair means to get what you want, or maybe you simply can’t wrap your head around the fact that your company, job, team project, etc. is not all about you.

God says in his word that true joy and contentment can only be found when Christ is living in us and we actively place others before ourselves (Phil. 2:3-4). Here are some tips on how to let go of the politics and truly lead like Jesus.

Abide with God each day. This means letting go of what our plans are for our work and letting God tell us where to go.

Stand up for what is right based on your biblical and Christian worldview. As Christians, we believe work should be done in love, integrity, excellence and more. Anything outside of these behaviors are simply not a part of what God calls us to do.

Choose others over ourselves. As humans, we all will have selfish tendencies. That’s why the only way to combat this thinking is by thinking of others. Ask yourself, “Is going around my boss really the best way to get ahead?”, “How can this presentation be an opportunity for everyone on my team to shine?” “How can I help others grow and flourish in their leadership growth at work regardless of where they are on the org chart?”

This week I heard someone say that [leaders] come and go, but their appointments can effect generations. Do you believe this? If so, think about how you can implement serving into your leadership style this week.